A Christmas Miracle in Rome: Jubilee 2025 AED Project Saves a Young Father
Rome, Italy
A 35-year-old man was saved on Christmas Eve in Rome, thanks to the swift actions of bystanders, local police, and a state-of-the-art LIFEPAK CR2 defibrillator. This life-saving event marks a major milestone for the Jubilee 2025 cardioprotection project, spearheaded by our Italian partner, EMD112.
In the early afternoon of Christmas Eve, a routine drive through the Parioli district of Rome nearly turned into a tragedy. A 35-year-old man suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while behind the wheel. His wife, in a state of distress, managed to alert a nearby patrol of the Rome Capital Local Police.
A Coordinated Chain of Survival
The rescue was a perfect example of the "Chain of Survival" in action:
- Immediate Recognition: Local police officers immediately understood the gravity of the situation and alerted emergency services (118).
- Bystander Intervention: Two doctors passing by heard the cries for help and immediately began Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
- Rapid Defibrillation: A second police patrol arrived minutes later, equipped with a LIFEPAK CR2 AED—part of the Jubilee 2025 cardioprotection initiative.
The combination of professional CPR and the prompt use of the AED allowed the man’s heart rhythm to be restored before paramedics even arrived. While the father was stabilized and rushed to Policlinico Umberto I, officers took care of the couple’s newborn daughter, who was also in the car, ensuring she was safe until the family could be reunited.
Technology That Empowers
The device used in this rescue is a LIFEPAK CR2, a connected, latest-generation defibrillator provided by EMD112. Specifically chosen for the high-traffic requirements of Rome’s 2025 Jubilee, the CR2 is designed to guide rescuers step-by-step, making it an essential tool for both professionals and citizens in high-stress environments.
“When we talk about cardioprotection, we are talking about real lives,” says Engineer Domizia Martelli, Sales & Technical Manager at EMD112. “Knowing that an AED from the Jubilee 2025 project was instrumental in saving a life on Christmas Day confirms the value of widespread AED distribution and the use of reliable technology.”
Forward Hearts: A Gift That Keeps Giving
The impact of this rescue will be felt far beyond Viale Parioli. Through the Forward Hearts program, the survivor now has the opportunity to pay it forward. Every time a LIFEPAK device saves a life, the manufacturer (Stryker) allows the survivor to donate a new AED to an organization or charity of their choice.
In the coming days, EMD112 will work with the survivor to facilitate this donation, further expanding the safety net and cardioprotection network across Italy.
Strengthening the Culture of Prevention
At Rotaid, we are incredibly proud to see our partners like EMD112 making such a tangible impact. This story is more than just a happy ending; it is proof that when structured investment, reliable technology, and human responsiveness converge, we give people a second chance at life.
